The parish is committed to serving its locality, being an inclusive and accessible community and to working together in mission. The link with the neighbouring Church of England school is important and offers creative opportunities for shared work.
The combination of the parish role with that of Chaplain at Bedford School, an independent school, is an exciting new combination that offers a rewarding and stretching role for the right candidate.
The parish see their new Vicar as being someone who:
* is strong, resilient and courageous, able to energise others, encourage participation, and lead change with wisdom and confidence
* nurtures individual faith, comfortable using a variety of service styles, valuing both traditional and contemporary liturgy, and recognising the power of music in worship
* is approachable, adaptable across ages and contexts, a good listener, and someone who can challenge and encourage with empathy
* is committed to full inclusivity and accessibility
* leads with clarity and organisation and is skilled at managing time across varied responsibilities.
The School Chaplain will provide pastoral support for all the school community, lead worship and assemblies, work with the Head Master and Director of Music, and have oversight of all the Christian activities in the school. Experience of teaching is not essential.
Bedford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions on a self-declaration form in advance of attending an interview (including those which are “spent” unless they are “protected” under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children. Bedford School is part of The Harpur Trust.
NB Shortlisted candidates whose applications include the Chaplaincy role will be asked to attend a meeting and tour with the Head Master, other senior staff, and pupils on either 1st or 2nd June. Do please keep some availability.
If you would like a conversation with the Benefice Patron, CPAS, please contact Rob Miles at
If you have an enquiry about the Chaplain role at Bedford School please contact Sam Baldock, Vice Master, on 01234 362200 or at
Please note that applications cannot be submitted via this platform.